Barry BAKER

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BAKER: Barry Wayne Baker, aged 64 years, died February 6, 2010, with his family by his side in Brandon Regional Health Centre. Barry was born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba. He began work in the construction field at a very early age and never looked back. This field included working as a plumber, heavy equipment operator, and carpenter. His last 25 years were spent as a carpenter employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway. His legacy in this field can be witnessed in the homes of friends and most notably in the homes of his children. Barry took a huge interest in sports especially when his children came along. He took an active role by coaching several hockey teams and was a huge fan of all sports his sons chose to participate in.Some of his ideas and influence can still be witnessed in youth hockey today. Coaching hockey in the winter naturally led to hockey schools in the fall. True to form, in the fall of 1981 Barry began the Barry Baker Hockey School. Its' mission was to provide top level instruction and instructors for a minimal price to kids from his son's team. He approached Bill Fairbairn and Mark Johnson and they were more than happy to help, pretty hard to get better instructors than these two people. They would accept no pay for their efforts and the beginning of something good was born. With these two people on board the school was opened up to all kids and the result was a full program. He continued with this endeavor for a few more years and successfully left a template for anyone wishing to enter into this field. As time went on and grandchildren entered the picture, Barry's interests took a turn in their direction. Ashley, Josh, Jada, Lesley, Kale, Kendall, Todd and Hannah were the new benefactors of this man's attention. Barry's family circle had expanded and he could not be more proud. Barry is survived by his loving wife Helen, sons Darcy (Shirley), Cory (Dianne, Todd, Hannah), Chet (Sherry, Ashley, Josh, Jada, Lesley) and Shawn (Tracy, Kale, Kendall) and his brothers Don, Cliff, Brian and sister Verlie. He was predeceased by: Frank and Norma and his sister Beverley. The memorial service was held Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Bethel Christian Assembly, Brandon, Manitoba. Pastor Mike Davis officiated. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Urn bearer was Darcy Baker and Honorary Pallbearers were all those in attendance at his memorial service. In lieu of gifts donations will be received in Barry's name by: Cancer Care Society, Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba., R3C 2B7 or Kidsport #146, 340-9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 6C2. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330."Papa, you will be sadly missed."

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 20, 2010